'A lightning storm of comic genius': Celebrities mourn the death of Robin Williams

Oscar-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams was found dead at age 63 on Monday from an apparent suicide at his home in Northern California, authorities said.

His wife Susan Schneider released a statement saying, "This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken."

Many were stunned by the death of the beloved actor, a man known for his comedic genius and vast contribution to films.

President Barack Obama released a statement expressing his condolences, "Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien – but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most – from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets. The Obama family offers our condolences to Robin’s family, his friends, and everyone who found their voice and their verse thanks to Robin Williams."

Several celebrities who were friends, co-stars and fans of the actor expressed their sadness and paid their tributes to the actor.

Director Steven Spielberg said, "Robin was a lightning storm of comic genius and our laughter was the thunder that sustained him. He was a pal, and I can't believe he's gone."

Comedian Chevy Chase said, "Robin and I were great friends, suffering from the same little-known disease: depression. I never could have expected this ending to his life, and to ours with him. God bless him and God bless us all for his LIFE! I cannot believe this."

Producer David E. Kelley, who created television show The Crazy Ones starring Williams, said in a statement: "The talent was legendary. But equally inspiring, perhaps more so, was his kindness and humanity. Gentle soul who touched us all."

Officials from Twentieth Century Fox Television, the studio that produced The Crazy Ones, said in a statement: "Robin Williams was a comedy giant, and although we only knew him personally for a season, he was warm, funny and a true professional."

The actor also wrote, "I met him when I was 13 and a huge fan and he was so kind and I watched him be kind to every fan I ever saw him with... And with other actors he was so generous and brilliant. He made everyone feel special and equal around him even though he was the genius."

Actor John Travolta said in a statement: "I've never known a sweeter, brighter, more considerate person than Robin... Robin's commitment as an artist to lifting our mood and making us happy is compared to none."

Actress Sally Field said in a statement: "I feel stunned and so sad about Robin. I'm sad for the world of comedy. And so very sad for his family. And I'm sad for Robin. He always lit up when he was able to make people laugh, and he made them laugh his whole life long... tirelessly."

Lucy Mercer, executive artistic director at the Throckmorton Theatre, a small nonprofit center near his home in Marin County, California, where the actor was known to try out new material, said in a statement: "He embodied what it meant to be humble. He doused us in his love and positive glow and never asked for anything in return."